National Grid prepared to respond to weather-related power outages

SYRACUSE - As forecasters call for potentially heavy snow across portions of upstate New York into the weekend, National Grid field crews and support personnel are prepared in the event the weather causes damage to the region's electrical network.

Winter storm watches and warnings have been issued all across upstate New York, with the highest amounts of snow accumulation expected north of the New York State Thruway and east of RT 81. However, almost all areas are expecting some impact and driving conditions could prove extremely difficult across the state.

"Our first priority is always the safety of the public, our customers, and our employees," said Keith McAfee, National Grid vice president of electric operations in New York. "We have been tracking this front for several days, and preparedness plans are in place to make sure our crews are ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible."

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National Grid will be increasing overnight staffing in the areas expected to be affected, and will have additional field and support personnel ready to address any service issues that could arise from weather damage. Customer contact offices will be increasing staffing, and support personnel are making sure that crew locations are fully stocked with equipment to repair service as needed.

National Grid officials work proactively with communities and municipal officials throughout the region to keep them updated on preparations and provide contact and safety information that can be passed along to constituents in the event of severe damage from the winds.

National Grid advises customers to be prepared as heavy snow can cause local electrical service interruptions. With driving conditions expected to be potentially treacherous, the company also urges particular caution around any crew work location, especially where visibility might limited by blowing snow.

Customers Urged to Keep in Touch

In addition to the company's Outage Central web site, National Grid offers a number of ways for customers to report outages or learn about restoration efforts and important safety information. Here's how:

o Outage reporting hotline - Upstate New York customers can call 1-800-867-5222 to report an outage.

o Text messages - Customers can receive text message alerts and updates through a free service the company offers. Text the word STORM to NGRID (64743) to sign up for the service.

o National Grid uses social media - Facebook and Twitter - to communicate with customers about service issues and interruptions during storms.

o E-mail alerts are also available to customers who create an online profile on the company's website. All alert services can be started and stopped at the customer's request.

o Customers can use their mobile devices to track outage information and storm related safety tips through National Grid's new mobile site that can be accessed at nationalgrid.com.

Staying Safe

National Grid wants everyone to stay safe before, during and after the storm. Here are some tips to help customers avoid injuries and remain safe:

o It's a good idea to have a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. A radio is a good way to stay in touch, as National Grid provides news media with timely information regarding service restoration efforts.

o Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.

o If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grid's system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize crew safety.

o If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.

o Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.

o People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a National Grid life support customer, call the company's Customer Service Center at 1-800-642-4272.

o National Grid customers who experience outages should call National Grid's outage line at 1-800-867-5222.

o Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.